Some factors affecting the adherence of probiotic Propionibacterium acidipropionici CRL 1198 to intestinal epithelial cells

Adhesion to the intestinal mucosa is generally considered an important property of probiotic microorganisms and has been related to many of their health benefits. This study investigated some factors that could affect or be involved in the adherence of Propionibacterium acidipropionici CRL 1198, a dairy strain with suggested probiotic effects and high adherence in vitro and in vivo to intestinal epithelial cells. In vitro adhesion of propionibacteria was decreased by gastric digestion but not affected by bile and pancreatic enzymes. Adherence was also decreased by pretreatment of bacterial cells with protease, sodium metaperiodate, and trichloroacetic acid, revealing that different features of the cell surface, like protein factors, carbohydrates, and teichoic acids, are involved in the process. Adherence to intestinal epithelial cells was enhanced by calcium and was dependent on other divalent cations. Adhesion to intestinal mucus was also demonstrated. The results should explain the metabolic effects in the host previously obtained with this strain and support the potential of Propionibacterium for development of new probiotics.